Before the school year began, community members held meetings to come up with different ideas and transitions they wanted to bring to Memorial High School.
“We had senior committees, spirit committees, parents, community members coming up with ideas,” said Principal Laurie Kinne, when reflecting on how the Memorial Stampede came to be.
As rivalry week began, the first Memorial Stampede was announced by student council representatives and their parents. Despite a few changes due to weather conditions, the Stampede went off without a hitch.
Senior Georgia Bindel shared that she was “excited to see what would happen” before the stampede began.
Students, staff and parents watched eagerly as emcees Gary Ohmstede and Preston Smith explained the games that would be taking place during the night.
The games involved included a barrel-racing competition with inflatable bulls, a four-way tug of war competition and a competition involving teachers dressed as inflatable chickens and Looney Tunes characters.
CLICK FOR PHOTO GALLERY FROM STAMPEDE
Senior Addisyn Handy participated in the barrel-racing competition, getting to ride an inflatable bull around Texoma Cowboy Church arena.
“I liked how interactive and intense all of the games were, it helped keep everyone involved,” Handy said.
As the games wrapped up, Ohmstede and Smith announced a surprise taking place outside of the arena.
Seniors linked arms and led everyone to an open field where a bonfire was set up. Students quickly gathered around and watched as a large group of flames formed.
One of the people at the front of the crowd for the bonfire was math teacher Jaydon Johnston, who saw the bonfire as a “huge success” and said “he’ll be looking forward to it for the years to come.”
Overall, both students and staff had positive reactions to the first Stampede and are looking forward to the next one.
